Letter from Student President

In the midst of this pandemic, the team has been working hard to keep our spirits and competitive edge up. Whether the upcoming Fall season takes place on the water or completely on land, we will continue to plan and prepare to win for the next time we are out on the water.

To compete at the highest level we must train at the highest level. With your help, the team is hoping to replace the 18 ergs we train on in the CRC. After over a decade of frequent use by our crew, many of the current ergs have deteriorated to the point that malfunctioning ergs have become a regular part of our land practices. This not only obstructs and draws out practices, but poses a danger to the physical health of our team.

In order for our team to continue to grow in size and skill, it is important that we begin our next season on proper equipment. In order to achieve this goal, we are asking for donations toward our $16,500 fundraising goal.

This will enable us to hit the ground running come the return to a normal racing season.

Sarah Nastasi
2020 GT Crew President

But as cool as the new ergs look and as nice as they feel, to us as a club, their value extends far past the surface level improvements that they provide from our old equipment.

Last season was difficult for our club. We were not able to hold a novice program, and our rowing was limited to singles. The club did not hold group practices except for small groups on the weekends, and we found it tough to maintain connection and unity at times within the team. However, this season is going to be different, and that is in large part to your support, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.

This season, we will have a novice program. We have approval to begin taking out team boats with mask usage. And, we will have larger team practices – erg practices will be outside spread apart 12+ ft and water practices will be podded with mask usage. The spring season will still be far from a “normal” season, but we are extremely excited for it.

The new ergs are a huge lift in our spirits and a boost in our excitement for the season. They will enable us to get back into training as a team, and most importantly, they will help us recruit a large novice team to grow and build the club over the coming years. So as we close this project out, we wanted to give you one more thank you for the immense levels of heart-warming support that you all pulled together for our club.

Thank you,

Sarah Nastasi, President

Clara Kim, Treasurer

Ryan Giometti, Fundraiser

Julianne Schneider, Women's Vice President

Julienne Harrison, Men's Vice President

Michael O’Donnell, Secretary

Emily Buchanan, Public Relations

Zach Baskin, Assistant Treasurer

Tim Pierce, Boathouse Manager

Ashley Walker, Social Promoter

Cody Blystone, Safety Officer